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Clenching Clenching is a forceful clamping together of the jaws in a static relationship. The pressure thus created can be maintained over a considerable time with short periods of relaxation in between. The etiology can be associated with stress, anger, physical exertion, or intense concentration on a given task, rather than an occlusal (bite) disorder. As opposed to bruxism, clenching does not necessarily result in damage to the teeth because the concentration of pressure is directed more or less through the long axes of the posterior (back) teeth without the involvement of detrimental lateral forces. Chipping of the tooth near the gum line (abfraction) may result from sustained clenching. Also, the increased load may result in damage to the supporting structures of a tooth (periodontium), damage to the temporomandibular joints, and chewing muscles (muscles of mastication). As with bruxism, clenching can be difficult to diagnose and difficult if not impossible for the patient to voluntarily control. |
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